Thursday, September 30, 2010

I love BOOKSNEEZE! I have read so many great new books for FREE! Let me know if you have questions about it, or just google it. It's awesome.

The Nativity Collection: Six Stories that Share the Smiles, the Heart, and the Hope of ChristmasBy Robert J. Morgan

It is so hard for me to believe that the stories Robert Morgan writes are simply that...just stories! His story telling capabilities are unbelievable. The characters, circumstances, plot twists, and emotions draw me in, captivate me, and leave me in awe. Morgan shares six short stories unlike any you've heard before, about the love of God and man during the Christmas season. It is beautifully illustrated and written.

I would highly recommend this book. It made me laugh and brought tears to my eyes. I even shared some parts of the stories with my husband while reading in bed! I've always thought of story books as being originally illustrated, but now I see that beautiful photos are a great option too. Writing has never been my forte, but I wish I could write great short stories (I would love to write children's stories!), and Robert Morgan is an inspirational writer.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Thursday, September 23, 2010

I have always loved medicine and anatomy, and the history of medicine is so fascinating. Doctors didn't always have procedures to follow and the knowledge that guides them, so they did what they reasoned was right. A lot of times, they were right. Other times, they were way off!

Due to these interests I requested The Surgery of Bruno Da Longoburgo – An Italian Surgeon of the Thirteenth Century by Mario Tabanelii (Translated by Leonard D. Rosenman, M.D.), published by Dorrance Publishing. This book was not what I expected. It is sophisticated material for what I envisioned for 13th century medicine! Although his thought processes are not always exactly correct, Bruno typically puts a lot of thought and effort into trying to determine what is happening and how to fix it. There are many anatomical and medical terms in the book, which would make it hard to read for one not well versed in those terms (much like myself!). Overall, I did not really enjoy this book, but I can see it being more interesting to doctors and nurses who know the current procedures!

Find this book or others at:http://dorrance.stores.yahoo.net/surofbrundal.html.This book was provided by Dorrance Publishing. They have so many options for books you can order, read, and review....for FREE!!

Baking bread is a lost art! It takes time, talent, and practice! Who knew you wanted to let yeast have time to dissolve and react before mixing it with dry ingredients! This was my first "fancy" bread, and it was delicious! The taste is ok, but the consistency and appearance are awesome! Give this recipe a try, and add dried fruit if you want!

Combine the wet ingredients (except the egg) and yeast.Stir and let it stand for 15 min until dissolved.In a large bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Make a well and add the egg and the yeast mixture.Combine well to obtain a rough dough.Transfer to a floured surface and knead until smooth and elasticPlace in a clean bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let it double about 2 hours (depending on climate you enjoy)Grease a baking sheet. Punch the dough and divide into 3 equal pieces. Roll each into a long thin rope.Bring one of the ends together.Start braiding!

Cover them loosely and let sit for another 30 min until risenPreheat Oven 375F. Now brush the braid and the knots with egg yolk and bake them for 30-45min or until golden.Let them cool and slice them.act

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Family relationships & marriage struggles are the heart of this wonderful novel by Beth Hart. Della is struggling with financial and marital contentment, Lish is medically sick with a non-supportive husband, Anne just wants to be loved, and reverend Roy finds love after losing his wife years ago. Rooted in all of their stories is the love and care God has for them all.

I really enjoyed this novel. The pages flew by and I always wanted to know what would happen in the next chapter. The book had a slow start, but it really took off about half way through. I will pass this book along to friends for them to enjoy as well!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”